Alila Hinu Bay

I have mixed feelings about this place. While the resort is large, it felt quite deserted, with vast areas of sand and very little greenery. Perhaps it was the wrong season to visit, but the place was almost empty, which made the atmosphere dull and uninviting. One major drawback is the location, it's extremely remote. Unless you're specifically looking to disconnect and be isolated, being an hour away from all main attractions makes it inconvenient, especially if you want to go out in the evenings. Breakfast was underwhelming, the buffet had limited options and felt poor in variety, although the à la carte menu was decent. They do offer daily activities, which are a nice touch, but unfortunately, they aren't well-promoted, so it's easy to miss out. On a positive note, the resort is spacious and incredibly relaxing. The rooms are large, beautifully designed, and very comfortable, I especially loved the private terrace we had. Most importantly, the staff were exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. I also had an amazing massage at their spa, which I highly recommend. The food at the restaurant was quite good as well.

Absolutely gorgeous place, staff and experience. We could have not wished for more from a hotel that clearly understands quiet luxury, pampering and taking absolute care of the guests through a genuine, hospitable staff. We are truly grateful to Alila Hinu Bay and the entire staff for ensuring we didn't just stay, but we became part of the place. Huge shoutout to Chef Ashvini who take extra care of us, and his entire kitchen team for making one of the best foods we've ever had. These people deserve a recognition for putting this brand at such a high, almost unbeatable level. Thank you Ratnesh, Uday and Jay for also being so caring to us during our stay.

Alila Hinu Bay is a visually stunning resort, featuring minimal architecture set against a dramatic desert coastline. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful - the kind of quiet that genuinely slows you down. Our room was spacious, well-equipped, and directly overlooked the lagoon, which was always teeming with birds and flamingos. The bed was on the softer side but comfortable, with noticeably high-quality bedding. We could even watch herds of camels crossing the desert from the window without leaving our bed, which was a special experience. However, our stay wasn't entirely smooth and at times became genuinely frustrating. We encountered multiple operational issues, some minor and others more serious. The most significant was repeated flooding in our room - three separate times within our first five days. Upon check-in, I noticed water damage to the wooden closets, which in retrospect indicated that flooding was not a new issue. Each time flooding occurred, maintenance came and assured us it was fixed - yet the issue repeatedly returned. At one point, after multiple issues had accumulated and reception remained unresponsive for over four hours, we began seriously questioning our decision to stay. It took considerable effort on our part to escalate these concerns to senior management. Once involved, they responded courteously, professionally, and quickly resolved the issues, significantly improving our experience - from "never again" to "maybe we'll return in winter." Food at both restaurants was consistently tasty, with particular standouts including the larb gai, lentil soup, and freshly baked cheese bread. The restaurant staff made occasional minor mistakes, but they were always polite and eager to please. We highly recommend the 2-hour couples spa treatment ("Pure Bliss"), which we found genuinely relaxing and rejuvenating. Additionally, the infinity pool near SeaSalt offers genuinely breathtaking panoramic views - combining sea, lagoon, and desert into one spectacular scene. It's worth noting, however, that the resort's beach is closed during the summer months due to windy and rough sea conditions. Overall, Alila Hinu Bay has real charm and enormous potential. Despite our frustrations, we left with genuinely fond memories. With improved operational consistency, Alila Hinu Bay could easily become a genuine Dhofar icon.

We spent five nights at Alila Hinu Bay near Salalah and were absolutely touched by the experience. Arriving late in the evening, we were welcomed warmly and everything went smoothly from the very beginning – a sign of the care and professionalism that runs throughout the entire resort. We stayed in one of the pool villas, and it was nothing short of fantastic. Set at the far end of the resort, it offered complete tranquility – just the sound of the sea and the vastness of the desert around us. The design of both the villa and the resort is outstanding: minimalist, elegant, and deeply respectful of the surrounding landscape. The landscaping is subtle, blending naturally into the rugged beauty of the region. The villa itself was spacious, beautifully crafted, and clearly well maintained. Comfortable beds, shaded outdoor seating, and several lounging areas made it perfect for relaxing. The private pool was ideally tempered – cool enough to refresh, never too cold. We also appreciated the pristine beach area, where chilled water is provided at your sunbed – a thoughtful touch. Although we didn’t use the main pools, they looked stunning and very well kept. The entire resort is clean and impeccably maintained, but never sterile – it retains a grounded, natural atmosphere that adds to its charm. As half board guests, we had access to two restaurants, and both were truly excellent. Everything is à la carte, with outstanding food quality and presentation. Chef Ibrahim deserves special praise – not just for the exquisite cuisine, but for the harmony he creates with his kitchen and service team. Every meal was a joy. Breakfast was another highlight: a small but high-quality buffet with fresh fruits, pastries, and more, alongside a well-curated à la carte menu for egg dishes, sandwiches, and more. Plus: barista-made coffee (with almond and other milk options) – a big plus! What truly made our stay unforgettable, though, was the team spirit. From Chef Ibrahim in the kitchen to the incredibly kind and attentive service staff – Ava, Florina, and Smita – everyone contributed to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Yogendra and Sarif ensured our villa was always perfect – thank you! We were honestly touched by how this team worked together – authentic, professional, and full of heart. While the resort is a bit over an hour from Salalah Airport, the drive is easy – mostly on the freeway (though watch out for the occasional dromedary crossing!). The location is also ideal for short trips: we explored Wadi Darbat (almost dry in April), the Teeq Cave, and the beautiful highlands near Jabal Samhan – all worth the drive. What will stay with us most, though, is the atmosphere created by the team. From Chef Ibrahim’s kitchen to the warm and thoughtful service from Ava, Florina, and Smita, and the great care by Yogendra and Sarif – everyone played a part in making this stay feel personal and special. We left feeling not only relaxed, but truly appreciated. This place may be quiet and remote, but what happens here is full of heart.

Luxury stay at Alila, this is my second time stay here, and it's around 40mins away from the city, they provide a lot of activities where you don't have to leave the resort. Weather in April Sunny and very humid , I highly recommend visiting Dhofar between June to August ( monsoon season ) For an amazing experience and weather.